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Carbon monoxide sources: It’s not just your furnace

Protect your family by identifying common culprits in your home.
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As temperatures drop across Ontario and residents look to stay warm and cozy, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is reminding everyone to prioritize carbon monoxide (CO) safety this season.

During the cold weather months there’s naturally an increased use of furnaces and fireplaces, and even though these fuel-burning appliances are required to be safely designed, CO poisoning has the potential to become an insidious intruder in any home, if they are not properly installed, inspected and maintained regularly.

And keep in mind it’s not just your furnace. Did you know, many Ontario homes have on average roughly 4-6 fuel-burning appliances that produce Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

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While CO presents serious hazards, residents can significantly reduce CO risks and any potential harm by taking these two important steps:

  1. Have all fuel burning appliances in homes inspected and maintained on a yearly basis through the services of a TSSA-registered contractor who must employ certified technicians. Visit TSSA’s registered fuels contractor tool to find or verify companies with a valid TSSA Registration.
     
  2. Have working, certified, carbon monoxide or smoke/carbon monoxide alarms installed in your home.* Test the alarms, replace batteries regularly and replace the alarms when they have expired and as per manufacturer’s instructions; typically, every 7-10 years, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.

*Effective January 1, 2026 updates to the Ontario Fire Code will require CO alarms near sleeping areas and on every floor in all homes and residential units that have a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.

And it’s just as important for folks to note that fuel-burning appliances specifically designed and approved for outdoor use only – such as BBQs, portable and outdoor heaters - are to remain just there. Never use these types of appliances indoors!

Often dubbed the ‘Silent Killer’, approximately 65% of all CO incidents occurring in people’s homes. And that’s why, TSSA is focused on getting this vital information out there.

To learn more about CO visit COsafety.ca and check out some of our latest resources including these CO educational videos, kids activity sheet and CO backgrounder.